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The northeastern United States might get most of the attention when autumn arrives, but Europe can certainly rival it as a destination for “leaf peeping”.
While the famous fall colours of New England can be spectacular, the window to see them is notoriously short and unpredictable. Europe, meanwhile, has the advantage of everything from high Alpine peaks and deep river valleys to vast forests, meaning autumn arrives at different times across the continent.
The result? If you know where to look, you can chase fiery reds, golden yellows and burnt oranges for weeks – and sometimes months – rather than gambling on one perfect weekend.
Here are 10 of the best places in Europe to see autumn foliage this year.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations – and for good reason. It offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole country and is also home to the nation’s only natural island.
It can be very busy in the summer, so autumn is an ideal time to visit. While the water will likely be too chilly for casual swimmers in the “-ber” months, it’s possible to hire a rowing boat and admire the richly-coloured leaves around the lake.
If you’re more of a walker, you can circumnavigate the lake in about an hour and a half, while stopping to snap pictures of the stunning foliage, of course.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
The Bavarian Alps are beautiful all year round, and tourists flock every season to see the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle.
It’s a fantastic spot for an autumn break, especially, though, not because of the varied elevation here.
Autumn colours start as early as September, high near the Zugspitze summit, before heading down the mountainsides to the lower valleys, which still boast red and orange hues into November.
Stay in the town of Füssen if you can, as it’s an ideal access point to the many trails which crisscross the mountains here.
Lake District, England
Although it’s only been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017, England’s Lake District has been inspiring visitors for centuries, including Romantic poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William Wordsworth.
Buttermere is a particularly beautiful spot in autumn. Arrive early for a walk around the lake, when the water is often calm enough to reflect the surrounding hills and foliage.
Coniston Water is another autumn highlight, with woodland trails, mountain views and a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees providing plenty of rich colour.
Transylvania, Romania
There’s more to Transylvania than vampires – and autumn is the ideal time to discover that for yourself.
As well as the must-do of visiting Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle – in spooky season, the trees across the Carpathian Mountains turn exquisite hues as autumn progresses, and the varying altitude here means the colours last a long time.
Stay in Brașov, the ideal place to soak in the atmosphere after exploring the mountains. Plenty of restaurants set up heaters outside and offer guests blankets so you can warm up while making the most of the crisp autumnal air.
Perthshire, Scotland
Think of autumn colours, and Scotland will probably come to mind.
If it’s on your list for an autumn trip, head to Perthshire, which has one foot in the Highlands and one in the Lowlands.
Not only is it home to the Meikleour Beech Hedge, officially the tallest hedge in the world, which turns red and orange in the autumn, but there’s also the National Trust-owned The Hermitage, a beautiful, colourful stretch of forest with waterfalls and ruins which has to be seen to be believed.
Families will enjoy a visit to the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry. From early October to the start of November, the spectacle of light and sound brings added magic to the region’s autumnal woodlands.
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are on many a hiker’s bucket list, but they also make for an excellent autumn destination come September.
As well as spotting the larch trees, which turn a glowing golden colour from October until the heavy snow starts in November, be sure to gaze at the autumn light hitting the dramatic rock faces.
The season’s long shadows also cast an otherworldly glow at sunset, while the majestic foliage is reflected in Lago di Sorapis and Lago di Braies, both well worth a visit.
Loire Valley, France
World-renowned for its wine, the Loire Valley is particularly beautiful in autumn. As well as sampling the region’s famous vintages, you can admire the vineyards as their leaves turn rich shades of red, orange and purple, especially around the valley’s many grand châteaux.
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a particular favourite in autumn, when its grounds are decorated with pumpkins and squash, adding a wonderfully seasonal touch to the already spectacular gardens and historic setting.
Lapland, Finland
Many tourists associate Lapland with all things Christmas, but it’s also a fabulous place for an autumn break.
While Rovaniemi, the region’s capital, is packed full of strikingly coloured trees, the Northern Lights are actually particularly strong in the fall. You might even get the chance to see the aurora borealis reflected off Lapland’s many lakes, which are flanked by autumnal foliage.
While it’s definitely not as cold here as in the dead of winter, it can get to below freezing, so be sure to pack clothes for winter and not just one or two extra layers.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Most people associate fall foliage with dense forests, but Portugal’s famous wine region offers a different kind of autumn spectacle, with miles of terraced vineyards turning fiery shades of red, orange and yellow after the harvest.
The Douro’s mild climate means the colours can linger well into November, making it one of Europe’s longest autumn displays.
Base yourself in Porto for day trips or stay at a local quinta – or wine estate – then take a river cruise through the valley. From the water, the vast, flame-coloured terraces are particularly spectacular.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Croatia might be best known for its summer beaches and sailing, but head inland in autumn, and Plitvice Lakes offers a completely different side of the country.
The national park’s 16 turquoise lakes tumble into one another through a series of waterfalls, surrounded by dense beech and oak forests that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Because the lakes sit at different elevations, the colours appear progressively, helping to stretch the autumn season.
Stay in a guesthouse near one of the park entrances and visit in late October or early November, when the summer crowds have disappeared, and the whole park feels significantly more peaceful.
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